Written by Carl Ellsworth
Directed by Rick Jacobson
Transcribed by Octavia

This transcript is non-profit and written purely for the benefit of fans who for some reason were unable to view this episode and any fans who live in Australia, where the series has reportedly been cancelled. All characters and rights belong to Threshold, New line and Warner Brothers.

Kung Lao: Paolo Montalban
Siro: Daniel Bernhart
Taja: Kristanna Lokken
Shang Tsung: Bruce Locke
Vorpax: Tracey Douglas
Raiden: Jeff Meek

Stefan: James Hyde.
Burly Prisoner: David L. Horner
Vendor: Vivienne Sendaydiego
Merchant: Cullen Douglas
Woman: Sue Ling Garcia

Scene: Zhu Zhin, the Market Place.

We open on TAJA counting out money to give to a trader.

Taja: One...two...three.

Trader: Thank you.

The trader hands over a bag to her.

Taja: That should do it. Thank you very much. Bye.

She hoists the bag over her shoulder and walks away. Suddenly she stops and looks at someone in the distance. We see a grey haired man wearing a cloak, looking at her.

Taja: Dad?

The man walks away. Taja runs after him. She looks around and spots him waiting for her in an alley. Taja walks up to him.

Taja: Dad? Is that you?

She stops. He smiles.

Taja: It is you...

Taja walks closer to him and they hug.

Taja: (whispers) Dad...

Suddenly a portal opens. Taja looks up, startled. She struggles but he drags her into the portal. Opening credits.

Scene: The Cobalt Mines. We see Vorpax standing, watching a space. The air there moves slightly and a portal appears. Vorpax puts her hands on her hips and smiles. Taja and the man appear, Taja still struggling. He drops her and walks away. Taja looks around at her strange new surroundings.

Vorpax: Well, that didn't take long at all.

Taja: What are you talking about? (she stands up) Dad! DAD! (Vorpax smiles condescendingly) Who the hell are you? Where's my father?!

Vorpax: So many questions... I'm Vorpax. Now, your daddy seems to have disappeared, but you do have other friends down here...

Shang Tsung enters.

Taja: Shang Tsung.

Vorpax: Not exactly the paternal type, trust me.

Taja looks Vorpax up and down.

Taja: What are you, his whore?

Vorpax laughs.

Vorpax: Why, you looking for a job?

Taja: (angrily) Yeah, maybe to be the one who wipes that smile off your face!

Taja raises her fist to strike Vorpax. Vorpax laughs as Shang Tsung grabs Taja's arm.

Shang: You can die later if you like...(Taja grabs her arm from his grasp) Right now, I need you alive. (to Vorpax) Played the part well, didn't she?

Taja: What part? Cheese for your trap?

Vorpax: Clever little thing. Catches on quickly.

Taja: I've got news for you, he's not that stupid.

Shang: No. No, but he's that noble. Kung Lao will come or you will die.

Shang Tsung moves away. Taja looks at Vorpax.

Taja: Where am I?

Vorpax: Welcome to the Cobalt Mines of Shokan.

Taja: You expect me to buy that?

Shang: Believe what you will. This is Outworld. You are my prisoner.

Taja: And what about my father? What sorcery did you use on him? How did you know what he looked like?

Vorpax: It was him. He also is a prisoner here.

Taja: I don't believe you. My father's dead.

Vorpax: Is he? Did you see him die?

Taja looks away, wondering. Vorpax and Shang Tsung smile.

Taja: So many years...

Vorpax: (mocking) Life's just full of so many surprises, isn't it?

Taja: You're lying. If my father's alive and if he's in this horrible place, why would he bring me here?

Vorpax: Shang Tsung can be...very creative when it comes to getting people to do things...

Shang Tsung smiles.

Taja: Can't be.

Vorpax: Or maybe it can. (she walks around Taja) You see a man once told me, he was brought here after a slave raid. He was soooo upset at the thought of never seeing his beloved daughter again. Ta ja. Not a common name.

Taja: Slavery... Where is he?

Vorpax: (mockingly) Who knows? Maybe he just brought you here...or was that just an illusion? Time passes so awkwardly in this hell, I don't know if I saw him last year...or ten minutes ago.

Taja suddenly shoves past Vorpax and disappears into the Mines. Vorpax glares after her. Shang Tsung gestures to a burly prisoner.

Shang: She stays alive. The rest, I leave to you.

The burly prisoner runs after her.

Burly Prisoner: Hey!

Vorpax: Enjoy!

Shang: There is work to do...

Cut to the Zhu Zin, the Trading Post.

Kung Lao comes down the stairs into the dining room.

Siro: Morning.

Kung Lao: Hey. Is there any tea?

Siro: Soon as you make some.

Kung Lao: Good thing I got up, huh?

A ghostly sound is heard...

Siro: What's that sound?

Kung Lao: I don't know but I think it's coming from outside...

They go into the courtyard and see a transparent apparition of Taja floating above the floor. Her mouth moves but Shang Tsung's voice comes out.

Siro: Oh my god.

Kung Lao: Taja...what have they done?

Siro: It can't be real!

Kung Lao: It isn't. It's Shang Tsung.

Taja/Shang: Kung Lao...your life for hers.

Siro: His voice?

Taja/Shang: North Alley. The Portal awaits tonight.

The apparition disappears.

Siro: Portal to where?

Kung Lao: Outworld.

Siro: Outworld?! Shang Tsung's got her?!

Kung Lao: Take it easy, it's just a trick, he's after me. There's no way he could get to Taja.

Siro: But what if he did? He said he'd kill her. (looks upstairs) Taja, are you there?

Kung Lao: She's not up there. I knocked on her door when I came down.

Siro: Damn it.

Kung Lao: Hold it. Just think, Siro. Taja's always up early. She could be anywhere, doing her normal stuff. Before we go charging off, let's find out if she's really missing.

Siro: But what if she is? Every minute we waste, that son of a bitch Shang Tsung has with her.

Kung Lao: Or she could be fine and Shang Tsung's just using her image. So I walk into that alley, and a portal sucks me away and it was to save noone.

Siro: Alright. So what do we do?

Kung Lao: Find her. Check out where she goes everyday.

Siro: OK...But where? What does she normally do?

Kung Lao: I don't know. Check in her room and see if there's anything there that'll help. I'll ask outside, if anyone saw her leave.

Siro: OK.

They separate.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. Taja runs down a passage way, lost. She brushes several chains out of her way and then looks around her. The Burly Prisoner bloke enters the passageway.

Burly Prisoner: Where are you? I got something for ya!

Taja looks at him, terrified. He walks towards her.

Taja: Oh god.

Cut to Zhu Zin, the Trading Post.

Kung Lao runs back into the courtyard. Siro joins him.

Siro: Anything?

Kung Lao: No, noone saw her. You?

Siro: Not really. Nothing written down or anything.

Kung Lao: I can't believe we don't know what she does everyday.

Siro: Yeah. I found this though.

Siro takes out a small golden ball.

Kung Lao: What is it?

Siro: I don't know but it's valuable to her. I found it with her jewelry. I've seen these for sale though in the bazaar.

Kung Lao: Do you know the place?

Siro: Sure.

Kung Lao: Let's go.

They leave. Cut to the Cobalt Mines. The Burly Prisoner advances towards Taja. He laughs.

Burly Prisoner: There you are...

[transcript notes: in the fight transcript, the burly prisoner will be referred to as "Guy".]

Taja right circle punchs Guy. Guy's head snaps to the side. He laughs.

Guy: I deal with that every day!

Taja kicks Guy in the chest with right leg, curls her leg without putting it down and then snaps it up to his face. Taja puts her leg down and then roundhouses him with it. Guy then tries to punch her with right hand; she ducks under it. She spins round and then knife hands him in face with right hand. She then knife hands him with left hand. Spins again and tries to hit him with right hand but he grabs her arm. She tries to get away but he pulls her towards him and holds her.

Guy: You got some fire in you, huh? Good!

She then hits him in the neck with left hand and kicks him in the shins. He drops her and doubles over. Taja hits him on the back with both hands and then kicks him in the face with right leg. She tries to repeat last action but he grabs her leg and pulls her by it. She hits him on the face with left hand and he drops her leg. Guy then punches her face with such force that she falls to the ground. He moves towards her.

She then kicks him in the face with left leg; then drops it and immediately snaps it back up into his gut. She whirls around and roundhouses him with right leg. She rear (right) kicks him and then spins and kicks his back with left leg. She tries to strike out with her left arm but Guy catches it and lifts her off the ground in a bear hug.

Taja snaps her legs out and makes contact with his shins. Guy drops her and she tries to run away. He grabs her arm and pulls her back and, with her facing him, lifts her up again. He throws her onto a ledge, into the wall. Guy moves forward.

Taja hook kicks him with left leg, and then crescent kicks his face with same leg. She then rear (right) leg kicks him. Guy doubles over and Taja steps onto his bent back and jumps away. Taja then reverse right leg kicks his chin then punches his face with right hand. She lunges again but he grabs her right hand, twists her arm so the underside is facing upwards. Guy then places his right hand around her neck and starts to strangle her.

Taja struggles and then uses her nails to scratch his face and forehead. Guy lets go and she right knees him. He doubles over and she leapfrogs over him to the other side. Guy moves towards her and, supporting her weight with her arms on a large rock, Taja kicks up her legs and scissors his neck. She pulls his neck back and forth and then brings him to the ground.

As Taja is stepping over Guy to escape, he grabs her left ankle. She whirls round and kicks him in the face with right foot. He writhes on the ground. Taja goes into a jump forward roll and kicks Guy in the stomach. He isn't fazed and, sitting up, grabs both her legs while she is still lying on the ground. Taja twists onto her front but he pulls her towards him. Guy flips her round and moves on top of her.

Suddenly a loud metal clanking noise is heard and Guy falls to one side to reveal Vorpax standing there with a shovel.

Vorpax: Filthy maggot...

Taja: I don't get it.

Vorpax: Yeah, well I'm not sure I do either. Call it a moment of weakness. They make me sick. All they ever think about is... Anyway...

Taja: Why are you doing this?

Vorpax: Not buying my decent act? Well then, let's just say, you'll serve me better in one piece.

Taja: Serve you? You work for Shang.

Vorpax: (angrily) I do not work for him!

She thumps Guy on the head again with the shovel.

Vorpax: In case you haven't noticed, I am his personal slave down here. You can't even begin to imagine what life's like down in this pit, but that's nothing compared to the hell Shang Tsung puts me through.

Taja: Well, can you fight him?

Vorpax: Fight Shang Tsung? With what? (she holds up shovel) This?! (beat) You've got a lot to learn, Taja, dear. Come on.

She takes Taja's hand. Taja pulls away.

Vorpax: You're not safe out in the open.

Taja: Where are we going?

Vorpax: I'm going to hide you until I decide how to handle this.

Taja: Handle what?

Vorpax: You just may be my ticket out of here. So you can either trust me...or I promise you, Shang Tsung will suck out your soul.

Cut to Zhu Zin, the Bazaar.

Kung Lao and Siro are talking to a female vendor at one of the stalls in the market. She examines the golden ball.

Vendor: It's beautiful, isn't it?

Kung Lao: You recognise it?

Vendor: Of course, my father made it.

Siro: So it was bought here?

Vendor: Yes, but not by you. You mind telling me how you got it?

Kung Lao: It belongs to a friend of ours.

Siro: Name's Taja. You know her?

Vendor: I do enough to be surprised that she let you have it. It's her favourite. She did give it you, right?

Kung Lao: Sort of.

Vendor: What is this all about?

Siro: We're just looking for her. What's this thing, anyway?

Vendor: It's a bolla for a game.

Siro: Game?

Vendor: The one that Taja plays all the time. Are you sure you guys are her friends?

Kung Lao: Yes. She lives with us at the Trading Post.

Vendor: But you don't know where she is. Or that she plays bolla maybe like 2 or 3 times a week?

Siro: Um...we just never talked about it. Where's the game?

Vendor: 3 alleys down.

Kung Lao: Thanks. We'll ask over there.

Vendor: You're going to go over there and ask questions? Good luck.

They leave. Camera zooms in on the Vendor.

Cut to the Bowling Alley, Zhu Zin. Stefan throws a ball and obviously makes a good shot.

Girl: Great roll, Stefan, great roll!

All cheer. Kung Lao and Siro enter but are stopped by the merchant.

Merchant: If you're looking for a game, we're not open.

Siro: What kind of game is it anyway?

Merchant: Doesn't matter. I told you, we're not open.

Kung Lao: Actually, we're looking for a player. A lady named Taja.

Merchant: Taja, huh?

Kung Lao: She comes here a lot?

Merchant: Yeah, she's a regular. What do you want with her?

Siro: Just looking for her.

Merchant: Well, she's not here. Maybe you ought to look somewhere else.

Kung Lao: In a minute. Maybe someone else has seen her.

Merchant: Hey, what is it? Does she owe you money or something?

Kung Lao: No.

Merchant: Maybe you're just hanging around, checking out the game. Asking me wrong questions. Guy tried that once last month. They found him in the river. Dead.

Siro: Hey, I told you, we're just looking for Taja, alright?

Stefan comes out of the crowd.

Stefan: Hey, what about Taja?

Siro: Who are you?

Stefan: Same question I was gonna ask you.

Kung Lao: We're friends of Taja.

Siro: Do you know her?

Stefan crosses his arms.

Stefan: Yeah.

Kung Lao: Do you know where she is?

Stefan: Nope. Haven't seen her around the last couple of days.

Siro: Sounds like you know her pretty well, huh?

Stefan: Pretty well.

Siro: Funny. She never mentioned you.

Stefan: And she's never mentioned you.

Siro: Just what kind of relationship do you have with Taja?

Stefan: Hey, what the hell is it to you?

Siro: Maybe a lot.

Stefan: Look, my relationship with Taja is my business. She doesn't ask me what I do with my life and I don't ask her what she does. Like with that silk merchant.

Kung Lao: What silk merchant?

Stefan: Guy's name's Hespar. Got a place over at the lion's gate.

Kung Lao: (to Siro) You go see the silk merchant. I'm going to go talk to some of the food vendors.

Stefan: Leaving here? That's a really good idea.

Siro turns round angrily. He moves back towards Stefan but Kung Lao holds out his hand. Stefan turns back to the game with his girls and Kung Lao and Siro leave.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. Shang Tsung sits on a rock, eating scraps of some meat. Vorpax enters.

Vorpax: You are certain he will come?

Shang: Soon now. For a man like Kung Lao, even death is preferrable to life without honouring loyalty.

Vorpax: And this Taja. Hopelessly following her father. Interesting, these mortals. (beat)What will you do with him?

Shang: Present him to Shao Kahn in exchange for my freedom.

Vorpax: And the girl?

Shang: An enemy to Outworld. She will make a plaything for the Emperor.

Vorpax leans over Shang Tsung's chair.

Vorpax: (seductively) Will you take me with you when you go?

Shang: That depends.

Vorpax: On?

Shang: My mood.

He leaves. Vorpax glares after him.

Cut to Zhu Zin, the Trading Post.

Kung Lao bursts in through the doors of the Trading Post.

Kung Lao: Siro! Siro!

Siro comes through to meet him.

Siro: You're not going to believe what this guy Hespar is.

Kung Lao: Forget it. She's in trouble.

Siro: What did you find out?

Kung Lao: The guy she buys vegetables from saw her late last night. She was following a strange man into the same north alley where Shang Tsung said the portal's going to be.

Siro: Shang Tsung...

Kung Lao: Or someone working for him. I've gotta hurry. There are only a few hours before sunset.

Kung Lao hurries off. Siro catches up with him.

Siro: What do you mean? Kung Lao: I've got to go and get her back.

Siro: How?

Kung Lao: By following Shang Tsung's instructions. It's the only way.

Siro: He'll kill you!

Kung Lao: And if I ignore him, Taja's dead. He took her because she's my friend. I have to go.

Siro: Then so do I.

Kung Lao: No! Shang Tsung wants me. There's no sense in all of us getting killed.

Siro nods.

Kung Lao: Besides, I may have a way to get out of this.

He leaves. Siro looks thoughtful.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. Taja enters another passageway. She carries on walking until Vorpax puts a hand on her shoulder and whirls her around.

Vorpax: I told you to stay put!

Taja: Look, I fell for Shang Tsung's trick like an idiot. But I'm sure as hell not going to be part of your plans, whatever they are. I'll take my chances alone.

Vorpax: Chances? You have no chances. Look around, this is prison! For the lowest scum of all realms.

Taja: Including you! Don't tell me you're here by accident! What did you do to get thrown into hell?

Vorpax: (whispers) Deception and...self-deception. (looks up) Yes, I am here. But I am not an animal, I am a woman like you.

Taja: Don't put us together. I would never sell out to a monster like Shang Tsung. I'd rather die.

Vorpax: That's so easy to say standing there, so righteous! But believe me, when your time comes to survive, you'll surprise yourself. Just like I did!

Taja: Well I guess I'll find out soon enough.

She moves out of the picture. Vorpax follows.

Cut to Zhu Zin.

Kung Lao walks up to a house and knocks on the door. A woman opens the door.

Woman: Kung Lao...it's so late. I'm hardly dressed.

Kung Lao: Sorry to wake you, but I need what I left here.

She sighs.

Woman: That's all?

Kung Lao: Yes, it's urgent. The box?

Woman: Where you left it. Come in, please.

Kung Lao enters and shuts the door behind him.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. Taja stands in a cavern with Vorpax behind her.

Taja: How big is this place?

Vorpax: Enormous. As big as some realms. You can't possibly be thinking of escape.

Taja: No. Not yet.

Vorpax: Not until you solve the...riddle of your father.

Taja: That's it, right? I mean, it was just a ploy to sucker me down here, I mean, he was never really in these mines?

Vorpax: Oh, it was no lie. He is down here.

Taja: But he can't be.

Vorpax: Let me see if I remember correctly. You had a nice life together. A mother, a father and a sister. Younger, as I recall.

Taja: You're just guessing.

Vorpax: Then let me guess some more. You all travelled together like gypsies. Never really settling in one place.

Taja: Yes...

Vorpax: You were eleven, maybe twelve when you last saw them?

Taja: My god...

Vorpax: I never heard the story of how you ended up alone.

Taja: It was my fault. Dad told me to stay close to camp but, well, I was never very at doing what I was told and I went off, playing some stupid game, and when I came back, they-they were gone. They were just gone. And, and I never understood why. (beat) Did something terrible happen to them or-

Vorpax: Or did they abandon you. Kind of hard to trust anybody after something like that.

Taja: Are my mother and sister here?

Vorpax: I've never seen them.

Taja: Then you have to help me find my father, I have to see him, I have to know!

Vorpax: I told you, this place is huge! He could be any of a hundred levels!

Taja: Then I'll find him myself.

Taja leaves and Vorpax follows.

Cut to Zhu Zin, the Woman's House.

Kung Lao is frantically searching through a box of rocks and crystals. Eventually he comes across the red quartz from Episode 3, Cold Reality.

Woman: Now that you have it, why don't you stay a while? It's been so long since your last visit.

Kung Lao: I can't. Lives are at stake.

He leaves.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. Taja walks through a smokey passageway with Vorpax close behind.

Vorpax: You're going to get yourself killed!

Taja: From what you said, it might be better than staying alive.

Vorpax grabs her and whirls her around.

Vorpax: I told you, I need you!

Taja: Then help me find my father and I'll help you if I can.

Vorpax: Your father may already be dead.

Taja: First you tell me he led me here and now you say he's dead?

Vorpax: He may be! Shang Tsung may have killed him just minutes after you arrived or, or he could have killed him months ago and just used his image. Anything is possible here.

Taja: Alright, then I still have a chance! It's like you said, nothing's for sure!

Vorpax: Only this. I've seen hundreds die down here. Nameless, all of them. Happens every day. Most don't even survive a year before their lungs give out...from this.

She holds up Taja's hand which has cobalt dust on it.

Taja: You're alive...

Vorpax: We should keep moving.

Vorpax exits the cavern. Taja pauses and then follows.

Cut to another level in the Cobalt Mines. Vorpax and Taja walk through an opening into a vast area. Chains clanking and voices shouting are heard.

Taja: What's that?

Vorpax looks behind them, grabs Taja's hand and pulls her out of the picture. We see a lot of prisoners all chained together being led through the area by a guard. The camera follows them moving along the passageway to the right and as they pass a crevice, we see Vorpax and Taja hidden. They watch the prisoners go by.

Vorpax: They're replacement prisoners. They're leaving the lower level miners and joining fresher miners from above. Your father could be among them.

Taja starts to get up but Vorpax pulls her back down.

Vorpax: Take it easy, it's a long shot.

Taja: I have to find him!

Vorpax: You have to stay alive!

They watch carefully as the rest of the prisoners file past.

Taja: He wasn't with them.

Vorpax: I warned you. Let's go.

Cut to yet another area in the Cobalt Mines. Shots of various poor miners working. Vorpax and Taja walk along a smoke filled corridor. Suddenly a figure stands up and confronts them. The smoke clears and we see that it is Shang Tsung. Vorpax reacts quickly and twists Taja's arm around her back, holding her in a secure lock.

Vorpax: I found her and was bringing her to you.

Shang: It is time.

Taja: Kung Lao's come?

Shang: On his way.

Shang turns and walks ahead. Vorpax violently shoves Taja after him. She pauses for a moment to consider how to turn the situation to her best advantage and then follows them.

Cut to Zhu Zin, the North Alley. Kung Lao slowly walks into the alley, looking around him for any sign of a portal or Shang Tsung.

Kung Lao: This should be it. This should be the place. What are you waiting for, Shang Tsung?!

Voice: Where have you been?

Kung Lao turns quickly to knife hand his attacker (which we see is Siro) and Siro quickly blocks.

Siro: Easy, Kung Lao, it's just me.

Kung Lao: What are you doing here?

Siro: Waiting for you. I thought you might need a little help.

Kung Lao: Forget it!

Siro: Hey, Taja's my friend too, alright?

Before Kung Lao can reply, a sound of the dimensional fabric opening up is heard. They look around for the source of the sound. Spotting the portal that's about to open up, Kung Lao quickly pulls Siro to safety. They watch as the portal opens fully, a swirling gateway to Outworld.

Kung Lao: Let me do it my way.

Siro moves in front of Kung Lao.

Siro: We'll do it your way. Together.

He jumps into the portal.

Kung Lao: Siro!

Kung Lao jumps in after him.

Shot of inside the Portal from Kung Lao and Siro's pov. Camera then cuts to the Cobalt Mines and we see a corresponding portal open. Kung Lao and Siro burst out from it. They look around, terrified. Vorpax shoves Taja towards them.

Siro: Taja!

Kung Lao: Are you alright?

Taja: I can't believe you really came!

Vorpax: The party is growing.

Shang: With an uninvited guest.

Kung Lao: What happened?

Taja: I can't explain it. I saw my father here.

Siro: Your father?

Vorpax: Now we have all 3 of them. And all so ea-si-ly.

Shang: Too easy.

He walks over to Kung Lao. Kung Lao looks up.

Shang: No doubt Kung Lao believes there's a way out of this.

Kung Lao: The way you said. A trade for Taja. And now Siro.

Shang: A strange time and place for making demands, Kung Lao.

Kung Lao: But you still you lose, Shang Tsung. You can't kill me.

Shang Tsung laughs.

Shang: Rest assured, Kung Lao. There are plenty of prisoners here, not bound by the rules of the Elder Gods, who can.

He rejoins Vorpax. We see an Outworld ninja emerge from the shadows. He free cartwheels onto the platform and goes into a fighting stance. Kung Lao quickly takes up a guard postition. Two of Shang's spear-wielding minions grab Taja and hold her.

Shang: No, no, no, not your turn yet, Kung Lao. If you interfere in the fight, the girl dies.

Siro: (to Shang) Fine. I came for a fight. (to Kung Lao) This won't take long.

He walks past Shang Tsung until he is opposite the Outworld ninja.

Shang: (to the ninja) Kill the big one.

[for the sake of the transcript, the Outworld ninja will be referred to as "Ninja."]

Siro and Ninja size each other up. Siro strikes out with right hand; Ninja palm blocks it. Ninja jumps around and strikes the air; Siro is too far out of range. Siro left leg front kicks Ninja in the chest, then snaps his leg up towards Ninja's face; Ninja blocks it with left arm. Siro then circle strikes with right arm; Ninja ducks under it. They swop positions.

Siro lunges forward and strikes with right arm. Ninja blocks it and quickly upset punches Siro in the face. Siro falls back. Ninja then cartwheel kicks Siro's head and he doubles over. Shang Tsung and Vorpax watch avidly. They circle. Ninja attempts a sweeping movement which Siro jumps over. Ninja spins around and tries sweeping with other leg; Siro jumps over that too. Ninja jumps up into a kind of twirly movement and lands on the ground. Siro moves into strike him but Ninja is too quick and, still crouching on the ground, punches Siro in the gut.

Siro reels back. Ninja gets up and punches him twice (alternate hands) in the gut. He then goes into a backwards stationary somersault, kicking Siro's head in the process. Siro lands on the ground. Ninja takes up a lovely kung fu fighting pose. Siro advances. Ninja ducks and runs underneath Siro's crescent kick. Ninja feints with his right fist, Siro ducks just under it but then Ninja sticks his leg round Siro's and sweeps him to the ground.

Ninja then does a crushing punch to Siro's gut. Ninja then kicks his legs back, as if to do a flip-up but in the process kicks the prone Siro. Ninja then vaults up. Siro moves to do a left crescent kick but Ninja rolls under it. Siro then tries to roundhouse him but Ninja evades that too. Ninja then strikes Siro in the face with left arm and then turns round and roundhouses Siro with right leg. Siro gets up and quickly right leg roundhouses Ninja to the ground.

Ninja flips up to a fourlegged position. He then rolls and jumps into the air, delivering Siro a painful blow with his head. (!) Siro falls back. Siro then tries to right leg roundhouse him but Ninja crawls under it. He then tries to side kick Ninja with left leg but Ninja ducks and crawls around it. Siro then tries a sweep but Ninja jumps it and moves around, still in that four legged position. Siro moves towards him; Ninja suddenly straightens up and feints a strike with left hand but then right back hands Siro.

Siro recoils and then looks up and around him for he cannot see Ninja. Ninja then suddenly climbs up onto Siro's back and starts hitting his head. Siro struggles to get Ninja off him. Eventually he doubles over and throws Ninja to the ground. Ninja jumps up and punches Siro's face with right hand. Ninja then crawls onto a small platform.

Siro tries a spinning roundhouse kick but Ninja is out of range. He then tries to sweep Ninja off the platform but Ninja jumps onto a ledge on the wall. Ninja then jumps off the platform, swiping Siro on his descent. Ninja then spins to the ground. Siro slowly gets up. Ninja holds out his hands to reveal two bukoto swords. Kung Lao gasps. Ninja wildly spins them around him, the swords getting faster every second, as he turns towards Siro.

Siro tries to get near him, evading every thrust. Siro spins and tries to roundhouse him but Ninja ducks. Ninja then swipes the swords at Siro who ducks. Siro misses another kick and then quickly ducks again as Ninja's double swords miss his head by centimetres. Siro, as he is ducking, does a reverse turning kick which knocks both swords out of Ninja's hands. Siro then jump roundhouse kicks Ninja to the ground.

Ninja does not get up. Kung Lao breathes a sigh of relief. Siro slowly, still panting, walks over to Kung Lao.

Shang: You were fortunate. You see, things are different here. The obvious can be very misleading. Only a taste of things to come.

Kung Lao and Taja glare at him.

Kung Lao: Taja, come see if Siro's hurt.

Taja shakes off her guards and joins them.

Siro: I'm fine!

Kung Lao pulls Taja towards him.

Kung Lao: Let's just check it out, ok!

Shang Tsung and Vorpax look on, puzzled. Kung Lao whips out the crystal.

Kung Lao: Stay close, we're leaving...now!

The crystal glows and starts to hum.

Shang: DAMN YOU!!!!

Taja suddenly breaks away.

Siro: Taja! What are you doing?!

Taja: I won't leave without my father!

She runs off into the Mines.

Kung Lao: We can't leave without you!

The humming ceases as Shang Tsung grabs the crystal from Kung Lao. Suddenly Kung Lao and Siro find themselves surrounded by Shang's minions with spears and an eagle claw weapon (?) pointed at them. Shang holds the crystal to the light. Vorpax joins him.

Shang: That is how loyalty is repayed.

Siro: It might have worked!

Shang: What a shame your plan backfired.

He and Kung Lao glare at each other.

Vorpax: What is it?

Shang: A means of travel...anywhere! (to Kung Lao) My thanks for your stupidity.

Vorpax: What about her?

Shang: Bring her.

Vorpax leaves. Shang holds the crystal and smiles.

Shang: My mortal enemy and the crystal...a great day.

He moves out of the picture.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines, a passageway near the Death Chambers. Taja grabs a flaming torch from its holder and walks down the passage, brushing away several chains from her path. The sound of groaning is heard all around her. She holds the torch up to see dying skeletons waving them limbs, moaning. Taja gasps and turns away and notices more prisoners going down another passageway. She slowly follows them and enters the passageway. There is the stench of rotting corpses and filth. She puts her hand up to her nose and places the torch in a holder.

Taja: Ugh...

She walks further into the passage and sees the cause of the stench. We see hundreds of prisoners dying, hung on chains, swaying back and forth.

Taja: My god...

We see Vorpax at the other end of the passageway.

Vorpax: It's a death chamber.

Taja puts her hand up to her mouth and slowly walks through the prisoners. She stops when she comes across a cocoon like thing hanging from the roof.

Vorpax: These are the lucky ones.

Taja looks at her increduously.

Vorpax: They'll be free of this place soon.

Taja opens up the coccon to reveal a rotting human skull plus probalby more, with maggots coming out of its mouth. She gasps and turns her head away. Vorpax looks on, unmoved.

Taja: Why are you still helping me? Game's up.

Vorpax: No! Almost but not yet. Kung Lao's right: Shang Tsung can't kill him which means Shang Tsung still has some manouvring to do. Until he succeeds you and your friends may be my best chance.

Taja: For escape.

Vorpax: Or Shang Tsung's death! Come on.

Vorpax leaves and Taja reluctantly follows.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines, Shang Tsung's area. Kung Lao and Siro are still surrounded by the guards. Shang Tsung stands not far away, still admiring the crystal.

Kung Lao: Well, now what?

Shang Tsung looks up and puts the crystal in his pocket.

Shang: You should prepare to die.

Kung Lao: You can still let my friends go.

Shang: Still noble...which makes you still weak. (a beat) The Emperor will relish seeing you dead. But the souls of the others are mine...

Shang Tsung holds up his hand and performs a sorcerous techique. The ground around them starts to rumble. Shang Tsung closes his hand and strong bars drop from the ceiling and encircle Kung Lao and Siro. They look around at them in amazement. They grab the bars and try to break them. Shang Tsung rolls his eyes at their attempt and walks away. Siro tries to force his way out but in vain.

Kung Lao: Take it easy.

Siro: I can't! We're in a prison within a prison! Damn Taja, what was she thinking?!

Kung Lao: Something about what she said, about her father...

Siro: She's an orphan! She told us that.

Kung Lao: But something's changed. Something Shang Tsung's done.

Siro: What? Can he raise the dead? How could her father be in here?

Kung Lao: I don't know. And I don't know what's going to get us out.

Cut to the Cobalt Mines. Vorpax is leading Taja through the passageways. Taja suddenly stops and looks behind her.

Taja: Wait!

Vorpax: What are you doing?

Taja: I can't do this to Siro and Kung Lao.

Vorpax: Now, this occurs to you?

Taja: They risked their lives for me and I just-

Vorpax: -payed them back with a death sentence.

Taja: What is it with you? One minute you're fuelling my need for my father and the next, you're reminding me what a jerk I am!

Vorpax: Uh-huh. Too much truth for you?

A long pause.

Taja: I have to help them.

Vorpax: Then get back to them.

Taja: How?

Vorpax: Follow the tunnel toward the screams. I mean it. Just past the torture chamber, you'll see Shang Tsung's area. Wait for him to leave and then...

Taja: Then what?

Vorpax: We'll see.

Taja: Do I thank you? Can I trust you or are you lying again?

Vorpax: I'm helping you.

Vorpax smiles as Taja runs up the passageway. Shang Tsung comes up behind her.

Shang: Where is she?

Vorpax is startled but regains her composure.

Vorpax: I have not yet found her.

Shang: Then leave her. I want you to go to the Emperor.

Vorpax: Me? I can't-

Shang Tsung holds up his hand. An invisible force begins choking Vorpax and shoves her up against the wall.

Shang: Oh, I think you can. Use your charm, bribe the guards. Get to Shao Kahn and deliver a message.

He releases Vorpax. She takes in long deep breaths.

Vorpax: What message?

Shang: That Shang Tsung summons him!

Vorpax: Daring words...

Shang: The gift I have waiting is worth it. Now go.

He leaves. Vorpax glares at his retreating shadow.

Vorpax: As you wish. I will speak to the Emperor...but only when I'm ready...

She turns and stealthly moves in the opposite direction.

Cut to Shang Tsung's area. Kung Lao and Siro are still trapped in the cage. Taja runs out of a passageway into the area.

Siro: Taja!

Taja runs over to the cage.

Taja: Siro! Kung Lao! I'm so sorry.

Siro: Alright, alright, you're sorry. We forgive you. Just get us out of this.

Taja: Will do.

She looks around and spots two axes on a ledge.

Taja: Here.

Kung Lao: Come on.

Taja grabs them and gives one to Siro.

Taja: This should work. I'll get it from the outside.

Taja and Siro swing the axes at the same bar simultaneously twice. Before Taja can swing her axe a third time, Vorpax grabs her and whirls her round.

Taja: Now what are you up to?

Vorpax: That depends.

Kung Lao: What's going on?

Taja: Just trying to determine what side she's on.

Siro: Are you crazy? She works for Shang Tsung!

Vorpax: I work for me!

Taja: That's right. She hates him. She may help us.

Kung Lao: How?

Vorpax moves over to Kung Lao.

Vorpax: Do you still have a way out of here?

Kung Lao: No. Shang Tsung has the crystal. Our only chance is to get out of here and fight.

Vorpax: I see. (to Taja) I told you, I do what I have to to survive.

Vorpax grabs Taja and twists her arms round her back.

Vorpax: (screaming) Shang Tsung!

Cut to Shang Tsung in an adjacent area of the Mines. He looks up at the sound of Vorpax screaming. Cut back to Vorpax holding a struggling Taja.

Vorpax: (screaming) Shang Tsung!

Cut to Shang Tsung. He turns round and listens. Cut back to Kung Lao and Siro in the cage.

Siro: Kung Lao!

Siro gestures for Kung Lao to get out of the way. He hits the bar repeatedly with the axe.

Cut to Shang Tsung hurrying down the passageway.

Taja: (voice over) Kung Lao, Siro, he's coming!

Cut back to Siro and Kung Lao in the cage. The bar is nearly broken.

Kung Lao: Hurry, Siro!

Half of the bar breaks. Kung Lao right front snap kicks the rest of it and leaps out of the cage. Shang Tsung gestures to two of his minions.

Shang: Kill him!

Siro jumps out of the cage to help Kung Lao. Shang Tsung holds up his hand and the invisible force holds Siro back. Siro clutches his throat.

Shang: Ah-ah-ah!

Siro clutches his throat. Shang Tsung casts an eye over to where Kung Lao is preparing to fight the two warriors.

[in the fight transcript, the two warriors will be referred to as A and B]

A jumps towards Kung Lao. A right hand punches and Kung Lao blocks it; A then front kicks with left leg-Kung Lao blocks it too. Kung Lao ducks in time to avoid B's jumping roundhouse kick. B lands then quickly executes a flying spinning kick which knocks Kung Lao's head to the side. Kung Lao recovers in time to block B's rear leg (right) front kick and block the following two strikes from B. B then circle strikes with right hand; Kung Lao catches and holds his fist and delivers a punch to B's head. He then turns to A.

Kung Lao then right leg crescent kicks A who just ducks in time. Kung Lao then blocks A's front kick then B's front kick. A right side kicks but Kung Lao blocks it. B tries to do a jumping front kick on Kung Lao but the warrior again blocks it. B then tries to circle punch him but Kung Lao knife hand blocks it. He then low kicks (right) B in the shins and turns to A. A tries to right low kick Kung Lao; he blocks it with a low vertical kick. A then tries to low kick Kung Lao with left leg; Kung Lao blocks with another low kick with toes pointing downwards.

Kung Lao then turns and roundhouses B in the head. B falls back into a somersault but not a very good one as he lands on his back. A right front kicks; Kung Lao blocks with open palm block. A then tries to left horizontal elbow strike him but Kung Lao knife hand blocks it. A then tries to strike with right arm but Kung Lao blocks again. Kung Lao then tries to punch but A elbow blocks it. Kung Lao then ducks A's circle knife strike. A then tries to left elbow strike Kung Lao vertical blocks it with left arm. A series of repeated blocks but then A manages to get a strike to Kung Lao's face.

B flips to his feet. A turns, jumps, and kicks Kung Lao in the face. B jumps in the air, twirls, and kicks Kung Lao in the face. Kung Lao falls to the ground and flips to his feet. Both A and B front kick Kung Lao who double knife hand blocks them, then jumps in the air and split kicks them both to the ground. Both flip up in unison. Kung Lao dashes to the side and they chase him.

B jump kicks but misses Kung Lao. Kung Lao blocks A's rear leg front kick (left) and turns to B and blocks his front kick then blocks A's rear front kick (right). A quickly then punches him in the face. Kung Lao blocks B's strike but is then snap kicked in the thigh by B. Kung Lao then circle punches B in the face. A rear front leg (right) kicks Kung Lao in the gut and the warrior doubles over. A then hooks kicks his leg onto Kung Lao's back. A then goes into a back somersault, catching the chin of the still bent over Kung Lao. Kung Lao reels back and goes into a series of back flips, with A and B following. He somersauls onto a higher platform.

As A attempts to get on the platform, Kung Lao front kicks him and A spins off to the ground. Kung Lao runs up the stairs but as he is doing so, B jumps up and kicks his back. Kung Lao ducks behind the pillar. B sweeps round to the other side of the pillar, hops and spin kicks Kung Lao who blocks then kicks B in the back as B is landing. Kung Lao ducks B's left leg roundhouse kick then front kicks B in the chest. B, using the low wall as a leverage, lifts his legs up but misses Kung Lao. B then tries to reverse punch him but Kung Lao blocks it. B ducks Kung Lao's sweeping circle strike, stands up. Kung Lao turns round so he is facing B, blocks B's left punch and then delivers such a powerful strike that B falls back and off the platform, landing heavily on his back. He does not move.

A runs up the stairs towards Kung Lao. He quickly rear (right) front kicks Kung Lao, but the warrior skillfully avoids it. Kung Lao then rear (right) front kicks A but A waist blocks it. A then tries to side kick Kung Lao but Kung Lao blocks it. Kung Lao turns and knifehand strikes A in the face; A falls against the wall. Using this chance, Kung Lao jumps on the short roll and somersaults onto the ground.

Taja back elbow strikes Vorpax. Vorpax falls against the wall. Taja dashes towards Shang Tsung to attack him. He catches her and holds her.

Taja: Let me go!

Siro, released from the spell, gasps.

Shang: Brave but foolish!

He shoves her away.

A jumps down from the platform. Kung Lao knife hand strikes (left) A then he right circle punches A in the head and quickly front kicks A in the chest. A falls onto the wall for support. Kung Lao jumps onto a short wall, gains the momentum for a backwards somersault, flies just over A and on his descent kicks A in the back. A flies into the wall, rebounds and then crashes to the ground. He does not move.

Kung Lao runs over to Siro and Taja. Vorpax joins Shang Tsung.

Taja: Come on!

They run down another passage.

Shang: Run from me!

Vorpax: I know another way! We can cut them off.

She dashes down a different passageway. Shang follows.

Cut to another area of the Cobalt Mines. Kung Lao, Siro and Taja stop and look around them, breathlessly.

Siro: Which way now?

Kung Lao points at a spot on the roof.

Kung Lao: What's that?

Siro: Looks like an air shaft to the surface.

Taja: Forget the air shaft. Use this.

She holds up the crystal and tosses it to Kung Lao. They look at her in amazement.

Kung Lao: How did you...

Taja: When I attacked Shang Tsung. He's a sorcerer, I'm a pick-pocket.

Siro smiles. Kung Lao twists the crystal and it begins to hum and glow. Taja looks to see if Shang Tsung and Vorpax are following them.

Taja: Now go this time!

Kung Lao: What?

Siro: Taja, get over here! Come on!

Kung Lao: Come on, Taja!

Taja: I can't leave without finding out the truth about my father.

A light surrounds Siro and Kung Lao. They grab Taja and pull her towards them.

Kung Lao and Siro: Let's go!

We see Vorpax standing there, watching them. A red light engulfs the three and they vanish from sight. Shang Tsung appears.

Vorpax: The Emperor! I have to stop him from coming!

Shang: It will mean death for you, summoning him here for nothing...and worse for me.

Vorpax: Then let me try. As long as I can get to him before he leaves the Palace, I'll tell him that it was all my fault, that I- I misunderstood you.

Shang: Why would you do this for me?

Vorpax: Because you do so much for me.

Shang Tsung grabs her by the throat, looks at her and then releases her.

Shang: Hurry then.

She leaves and Shang Tsung stares off into the distance, worried.

Cut to Zhu Zin, the Trading Post. Taja sits by the table, drinking tea. Siro comes down the stairs, clutching a towel.

Siro: Three baths and I still can't get that hell dust off me.

Taja: Amazing. There are so many realms out there that we know nothing about.

Siro: What's more amazing is that there's a whole life going on with you that I know nothing about. Bowlot sham, a boyfriend named Stefan...(Taja smiles) You want to talk about it?

Taja: I don't know, Siro. I went through life thinking of them, longing for them and then convincing myself that they were dead, all dead. (a beat) Then to see my father again, to have him... then lose him. I don't even know what to believe.

Siro: Vorpax said you'll never know.

Taja: I'll never be free of the pain. I just want it over, Siro, I just want to forget.

Siro: I understand. Oh, um, that came for you. Some messenger dropped it off while you were taking a bath.

He hands her a pouch. Taja reaches in and removes the contents.

Taja: Hmm...

She looks at the item in amazement.

Taja: My god.

Siro: What is it?

CAMERA zooms in on Taja's face.

Taja: It's my father's wedding ring...

Siro looks up. Taja gazes at the ring. Fade to black. End credits.